Exam Administration

The exam lasts one day. Multiple editions, or "forms," of the exam are used,
and they may differ in question order and content. Some questions require the
interpretation of illustrative materials such as electrocardiograms, radiographs
and photomicrographs (e.g., blood films, Gram stains, urine sediments). A list
of normal laboratory values is provided. Refer to this list to interpret values
given in the questions because they may differ from those to which you are
accustomed.

Exam Development

A complete description of the process used to develop ABIM exams is available
in How Exams Are
Developed. Topics include:

Pretesting

Question content criteria

Question-writing process

Question review/editing process

Relevance review, and more

Question Format

The exam consists of single best answer questions only. This type of question
consists of a brief statement, case history, graph, or picture followed by a
question and list of possible options. You must choose the one answer that is
better than the others; note that other options may be partially correct.
Familiarizing yourself with the question format in advance may help you work
more effectively.

Copyrighted Materials

ABIM's examinations are confidential and copyrighted under the Federal
Copyright Act. Candidates agree not to copy, reproduce, reconstruct by dictation
or other means, or disclose examination content in any manner. ABIM's Self
Evaluation Process Medical Knowledge Modules are also copyrighted works.
Candidates agree not to copy, reproduce or make any adaptations of the modules
in any manner and not to assist someone else in the infringement of these or any
other Board-copyrighted works.

Scoring

The examination pass-fail decision is based on your performance on the entire
examination. Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect; therefore, you should
answer every question. The minimum passing score reflects an absolute standard
that is independent of the performance of any group of candidates. This standard
has been established by the examination committee and approved by the ABIM Board
of Directors.

Results

After the exam is given, it will be analyzed and evaluated to ensure the
reliability of individual results.

Your results will be released and a Score Report will be mailed to you
within three months of the last date of the exam in that area.

ABIM website's Home Page will announce when exam results have been
released. No additional information is available until that time.

You can obtain your pass/fail status for an exam in the exam history
section on your home page under
Physician Login
when results are released.

Scores are provided through the mail only. Copies of your Score Report
will be maintained for two years from the date they were released. During
that period, you may obtain a copy of your Score Report upon written
request.

Questions regarding exam results should be submitted in writing within
six months of the date results were released.

At the end of the 10-year Certification cycle, physicians who pass the
Maintenance of Certification Exam, have successfully completed the
self-evaluation component, and whose credentials have been verified by ABIM are
considered to be recertified for another 10 years. Physicians with a lapsed
Certification are considered recertified upon successful completion of these
three components. Your current status is reported on your
Physician Login
Home Page.